An Order to Create a Working Group to Increase the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the State Economic Development Delivery System

February 29, 2008

11 FY 08/09

WHEREAS, state economic development efforts are vital to securing prosperity for Maine people; and

WHEREAS, state investments in economic development have a potential to multiply several times over; and

WHEREAS, economic realities make it imperative to make the best use of our resources; and

WHEREAS, the state economic development system also includes federal, regional, county, and municipal partners; and

WHEREAS, the state and its economic development partners stand to maximize return on investment by working together and reducing duplication;

NOW THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to convene a working group to offer solutions to streamline the economic development delivery system of the State of Maine.

Purpose

The Working Group to Increase the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the State Economic Development Delivery System is being created to officially bring together a diverse working group to address overlapping missions and delivery mechanisms in order to maximize federal, state and local return on investment, and to simplify business’ access to programs and services.

Duties

The Working Group will address the following potential issues including:

  1. Discuss the existing inventory of State economic development programs, and discuss how these programs are being delivered to their intended recipients.

  2. Identify the specific needs of Maine businesses that can be addressed by economic development field staff; specify the needs that are currently being addressed, as well as emerging needs.

  3. Identify other economic development programs or entities that should be considered part of the state’s economic development system and part of the coordination effort.

  4. Establish a framework for municipal, regional, state, and federal economic development delivery systems consolidation where efficiencies and increased effectiveness would result.

  5. Propose a statewide economic development structure that addresses the demands of Maine Businesses while utilizing the existing economic development resources within the State, and recognizes the state role in establishing broad vision and policy which direct services to businesses are as localized as possible.

Membership

The working group shall consist of the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the President of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, and not more than 12 additional members including representatives from municipal, regional, state and federal economic development levels, the legislature, and representatives of business and industry, appointed by the Governor.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is February 29, 2008. The working group shall report by November 1, 2008, after which time it shall be disbanded.

John E. Baldacci, Governor